Battery and battery container

ABSTRACT

A housing for a vehicle battery includes a top portion configured for attachment to a battery cover and a plurality of containers extending from the top portion for containing elements of a battery. The plurality of containers are arranged in an offset configuration such that at least a portion of the top portion extends away from the plurality of containers due to the offset configuration. A structure for reinforcing the portion of the top portion is provided that extends away from the plurality of containers. According to one embodiment, the structure includes at least one rib for providing enhanced structural integrity for the portion of the top portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of priority as available under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/438,921,filed Jan. 9, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to batteries and containers for batteries.The present invention more specifically relates to batteries and batterycontainers having offset cell containers.

BACKGROUND

Batteries (e.g., lead-acid batteries for use in vehicle starting,lighting, and ignition, applications, commercial batteries, industrialbatteries, marine batteries, etc.) include containers or housings thatgenerally include a number of individual cell containers that areconfigured to provide containment for battery cell elements, whichgenerally comprise one or more positive electrodes, one or more negativeelectrodes, a relatively porous polymeric separator between adjacentelectrodes, and an electrolyte or acid (e.g., sulfuric acid). Forexample, a 12 Volt vehicle battery may include six individual cellcontainers.

During manufacturing of batteries, a battery cover is conventionallyattached to a battery container by heat sealing or other means. Duringsuch operations, a downward pressure or force is applied to the coverand container to ensure that an adequate seal is provided between thecover and container.

Battery cell elements may be provided in a wound configuration (e.g.,spiral wound) such that there is a single positive electrode and asingle negative electrode separated by a relatively porous polymericseparator. The electrodes and the separator are wound such that theelectrodes and separator have a generally cylindrical shape.Accordingly, the cell containers for containing such spiral wound cellelements is also provided in a relatively cylindrical configuration.

For certain applications, it may be desirable to provide a batterycontainer that has individual cell containers (e.g., parallel rows ofcell containers) arranged in an offset or staggered configuration. Oneexample of such a configuration is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,641titled “Battery Terminal and Case Structure” and which issued on Feb. 4,1997. Such containers may include a top portion that overhangs or isprovided over an area that is unsupported by cell containers due to theoffset configuration of the cell containers. As shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,599,641, such area may be utilized as a location for a batteryterminal for connecting the battery to components of a vehicleelectrical system.

It would be desirable to provide a battery container or housing thatincludes cell containers arranged in an offset or staggeredconfiguration. It would also be desirable to provide a battery containerthat includes offset cell containers and that resists deformation duringmanufacturing and transport of the battery. It would also be desirableto provide a battery container that includes offset cell containers andthat has at least a portion that is unsupported by cell containers andwhich resists has sufficient structural integrity to resist damageduring manufacturing and transport of the battery. It would be desirableto provide a battery container and battery having one or more of theseor other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a housing for a vehicle battery thatincludes a top portion configured for attachment to a battery cover anda plurality of containers extending from the top portion for containingelements of a battery. The plurality of containers are arranged in anoffset configuration such that at least a portion of the top portionextends away from the plurality of containers due to the offsetconfiguration. A structure for reinforcing the portion of the topportion is provided that extends away from the plurality of containers.

The present invention also relates to a housing for a vehicle batterythat includes a base configured for coupling to a battery cover and aplurality of containers extending from the base and configured tocontain battery electrodes, the plurality of containers. The housingalso includes a first row of containers having at least two containersand a second row of containers having at least two containers and offsetfrom the first row of containers. A first portion of the base extendsaway from the containers of the first row at an end of the first row ofcontainers and a second portion of the base extends away from thecontainers of the second row of containers at an end of the second rowof containers. The first portion includes a structure for buttressingthe first portion and the second portion includes a structure forbuttressing the second portion. The structures for buttressing the firstportion and the second portion provide resistance to deformation of thefirst portion and the second portion when a force is applied to thefirst portion and the second portion.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle battery comprising ahousing having a first row of generally aligned cell containers adjacentto a second row of generally aligned cell containers, with the first rowof cell containers being offset from the second row of cell containers.A base is integrally formed with the two rows of cell containers andincludes at least one portion which extends beyond the cell containersdue to the offset configuration of the cell containers. A battery coveris coupled to the base. The vehicle battery also includes a structurefor rigidifying the at least one portion which extends beyond the cellcontainers such that the structure provides enhanced resistance todamage to the at least one portion when a force is applied to the atleast one portion.

The present invention also relates to a battery for a vehicle. Thebattery includes a housing comprising a top portion and a cover coupledto the top portion. The battery also includes a plurality of containersextending below the top portion and arranged in a plurality of rows,with each of the plurality of rows comprising a plurality of containersand being offset from an adjacent row. A portion of the top portion isnot provided above one of the plurality of containers and includes atleast one rib for providing enhanced strength for the portion of the topportion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a battery container or housingaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the battery container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another top view of a portion of the battery container shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the battery container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the battery container shownin FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6D are perspective views of portions of battery containersaccording to several other nonexclusive exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery utilizing a the battery covershown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container or housing 10 for abattery (e.g., such as a lead-acid battery for use in vehicle starting,lighting, and ignition applications, a commercial battery, an industrialbattery, a marine battery, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment.Container 10 includes a plurality of cell containers 12 arranged in anoffset (e.g., staggered, shifted, or alternating) configuration (see,e.g., FIG. 2). Each of the cell containers 12 include one or more cellcontainer walls 13 and is provided to contain, store, or house batteryelements (e.g., positive and negative electrode(s), separator(s), andacid).

According to an exemplary embodiment, container 10 includes six cellcontainers 12. According to other exemplary embodiments, the containermay include a different number of cell containers (e.g., more than orless than six cell containers, such as 12 cell containers). According toan exemplary embodiment, container 10 includes two rows of cellcontainers, with each of the rows including three cell containers. Therows are offset from each other as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.According to other exemplary embodiments, a different number of rows maybe provided having three cell containers in each row or a differentnumber of cell containers in each row (e.g., at least two cellcontainers). One advantageous feature of providing an offsetconfiguration for the cell containers is that closer spacing of adjacentcell containers may be obtained as compared to a configuration in whichthe cell containers are not offset (e.g., as with a six-packconfiguration).

According to an exemplary embodiment, reinforcing members or elements 15are provided between adjacent cell containers 12 to provide addedstructural rigidity or integrity to battery container 10. According toan exemplary embodiment, reinforcing members 15 are integrally formedwith container 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, cell containers 12 aresubstantially or generally cylindrical in shape and are configured tocontain wound or wrapped (e.g., spiral wound) cell elements that includeone or more positive electrodes, one or more negative electrodes, and aporous polymeric separator provided intermediate or between adjacentpositive and negative electrodes (not shown). According to an exemplaryembodiment, such cell elements include a single positive electrode and asingle negative electrode separated by an absorptive glass mat (AGM)type separator and wound in a generally spiral configuration.

According to various other exemplary embodiments, the cell containersmay have any of a variety of shapes and/or sizes (e.g., a taperedcylinder, etc.) configured to accommodate any of a variety of cellelements.

Container 10 includes a base or top portion 14 (e.g., a frame) that isconfigured for coupling (e.g., by heat sealing, adhesive, etc.) to abattery cover (see, e.g., FIG. 7). Base 14 forms the upper or topsurface of container 10, and at least one portion 16 of base 14 overliesan area that is unsupported by cell container walls 13 (e.g., a portionof base 14 is provided over or above a portion of the battery containerfootprint where a cell wall is not provided due to the offset orstaggered configuration of cell containers 12). In this manner, aportion of base 14 extends away from cell containers 12 due to theoffset configuration. Base 14 has a shape (e.g., a generally rectangularshape having rounded corners, etc.) that has a length and a width andthe footprint of the cell containers is smaller than the length of base14 such that base 14 extends a greater distance than the rows of cellcontainers 12. The result is an overhang or ledge that extends beyond atleast one of the rows of cell containers.

Cell containers 12 extend downward or away from base 14. Each of thecell containers are coupled or attached to (e.g., integrally formedwith) base 14. Base 14 includes a rim or extension 17 that is configuredto couple to a battery cover (e.g., by heat sealing, adhesive, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, battery container 10 includes oneor more structures, members, or elements 20 (e.g., shelves, ledges,rigidifying members or structures, etc.) extending outward from thebattery container in the areas unsupported by cell container walls.According to an exemplary embodiment, structures 20 are integrallyformed with container 10, such that structures 20 are coupled to one ormore cell containers 12 (shown, e.g., as interface 22 in FIG. 5) and/orbase 14 (e.g., such that structures 20 form a portion of base 14).According to another exemplary embodiment, the structures are notcoupled to cell container walls (e.g., the structures are integrallyformed with the base, etc.).

Structures 20 are advantageously provided with sufficient rigidity andreinforcement that structures 20 may be used as handles for the battery(e.g., one can lift a battery by grasping structures 20 and applying anupward force). Structures 20 are also configured to resist deformationduring manufacturing processes (e.g., during head-sealing operations inwhich a cover is coupled to container 10).

According to an exemplary embodiment, container 10 includes twostructures 20. According to other exemplary embodiments, a differentnumber of such structures may be provided (e.g., one structure may beprovided on each side of the battery, etc.).

At least a portion of base 14 is unsupported by a cell wall (e.g., theportion of structure 20 extending away from cell containers 12 is notsupported on its underside by a cell wall such as cell container walls13) due to the offset configuration of cell containers 12.

Structures 20 include a planar surface or portion 24 and a plurality ofmembers or elements in the form of ribs or extensions 26 that extendfrom planar surface 24 to form a web or support structure 28. Accordingto another exemplary embodiment, a planar surface is not provided, suchthat the structures consist of a plurality of ribs or extensions (e.g.,arranged in a grid, “waffle,” network, framework, or other pattern,etc.) coupled between a portion of the frame and the remainder of thehousing (e.g., a cell container).

Ribs 26 may have a size, shape, or configuration that may vary based onany of a number of considerations (e.g., manufacturability, cost,material usage, structural support optimization, etc.). According to anexemplary embodiment, ribs 26 are arranged in a substantiallyrectangular grid pattern, such that the ribs are arranged substantiallyperpendicular or orthogonal to each other to form a “waffle-like”pattern. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4-5. According toalternative embodiments (nonexclusive examples of which are shown inFIGS. 6A-6D), the shape and configuration of the ribs or extensions mayvary. For example, FIG. 6A shows a portion of a battery container 110having a plurality of parallel ribs 126 extending from a planar surface124 between a base 114 and a wall 113 of a cell container 112 accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6B shows a portion of a batterycontainer 210 having a plurality of parallel ribs 226 that extend eitherbetween two points on a base 214 or between two walls 113 of adjacentcell containers 212 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6C showsa portion of a battery container 310 having a plurality of generallynon-linear (e.g., curved) ribs 326 that extend between various points ona base 314 and walls 313 of cell containers 312 according to anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 6D shows a portion of a battery container 400having a plurality of ribs in the form of hubs 425 and spokes 426 thatextend between various points on a base 414 and walls 413 of cellcontainers 412 according to an exemplary embodiment. Various otherconfigurations for the ribs may also be utilized (e.g., a diamondpattern in which the ribs are not perpendicular or orthogonal to eachother, etc.).

The width, thickness and/or the height of ribs 26 may also differaccording to other exemplary embodiments (e.g., the height of the ribs(the distance the ribs extend from the planar surface) may be greater orless than that shown in the FIGURES). The configuration used for theribs may also be configured to provide enhanced comfort for anindividual using the handles to lift or move a battery (e.g., size andspacing of the ribs or extensions may provide a relatively comfortablegripping surface for an individual).

Ribs 26 may extend between battery container 10 (e.g., a cell wall) anda portion of structure 20 forming an outer edge or surface of structure20. In this manner, movement of the structure relative to container 10(e.g., twisting, bending, warping, etc.) may be reduced or eliminated.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the particular size, shape, andconfiguration of ribs 26 is optimized to provide enhanced structuralrigidity of structures 20 during manufacturing or use. For example, theunderside of structures 20 may be grasped by an individual such that thebattery may be lifted or moved to a different location. To preventdeformation (e.g., bowing, warpage, twisting, sagging, etc.) ofstructures 20 or damage to the seal between battery container 10 and abattery cover (see, e.g., cover 50 in FIG. 7), the structural supportprovided by ribs 26 acts to maintain the structural integrity orrigidity of structures 20 despite the weight of the battery.

Ribs 26 may also reduce or eliminate deformation (e.g., warpage or otherdamage) of structures 20 during manufacturing operations. Duringmanufacturing, a battery cover is heat-sealed or otherwise attached orcoupled to base 14. The heat and/or pressure associated with couplingthe battery cover to the base may act to deform (e.g., warp or bow,etc.) areas unsupported by cell container walls in the absence ofenhanced structural support. To reduce or eliminate this occurrence,ribs 26 provided as part of structure 20 act to maintain the structuralintegrity of structure 20.

According to an exemplary embodiment, ribs 26 extend downward fromplanar surface 24 (e.g., toward the bottom of the battery container).According to other exemplary embodiments, the ribs or extensions mayextend upward from a planar surface or may be sandwiched between twoplanar surfaces (e.g., an upper and a lower planar surface).

Ribs 26 extend substantially perpendicular to planar surface 24.According to another exemplary embodiment, the ribs or extensions do notextend substantially perpendicular to the planar surface (e.g., the ribsor extensions extend at an acute angle to the planar surface).

Battery container 10 may be made of any of a variety of polymericmaterials configured or adapted to resist degradation from acid (e.g.,sulfuric acid) provided within the battery elements. For example,battery container 10 may be made of a polypropylene-containing material(e.g., pure polypropylene, copolymers comprising polypropylene,polypropylene with additives, etc.) or composite (e.g., glass-reinforcedpolymer) material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the entire battery container(including the handles) is made of the same material. According to analternative embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more structures(e.g., structures 20) are made of a different material than theremainder of the battery container. The material used to form suchstructures may be optimized to maintain structural integrity of thestructure and adjacent base.

According to an exemplary embodiment, structures 20 including ribs 26are integrally formed with battery container 10 (e.g., the entirecontainer, including the structures, are injection molded as a singlepiece). According to other exemplary embodiments, the structures may beproduced separately and coupled to the container.

The design or configuration of ribs 26 (e.g., the pattern of layout usedfor ribs 26, etc.) may be chosen based on any of a variety of factors(e.g., manufacturability, cost, material usage, structural supportoptimization, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, ribs 26 arearranged in the form of a substantially rectangular grid, such that theribs or extensions are arranged substantially perpendicular to eachother. According to other exemplary embodiments, any of a variety ofother configurations may be used, nonexclusive examples of which areshown in FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery 40 utilizing the batterycontainer shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. Abattery cover 50 is coupled to battery container 10 (e.g., heat-sealedto rim 17). A positive terminal 52 and a negative terminal 54 areprovided for electrically coupling the battery to an electrical systemof a vehicle (e.g., by battery cables coupled to the terminals.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the battery container as shown in the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recitedherein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may beconstructed of multiple parts or elements (e.g., instead of providingthe handles as integrally formed with the battery container, the handlesmay be produced separately and coupled to the battery container), theposition of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied (e.g., the ribsor extensions may extend upward from a planar surface rather thandownward toward the base of the battery), and the nature or number ofdiscrete elements or positions may be altered or varied (e.g., thenumber of ribs or extensions provided in the battery handle may differ,the cell containers may be arranged in a non-offset configuration (e.g.,such as a six-pack of soda cans is arranged) and a handle having ribsmay be provided in the space between adjacent cell containers., etc.).It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system maybe constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, including any of a wide variety ofmoldable plastic materials (such as high-impact plastic) in any of awide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinventions.

1. A housing for a vehicle battery comprising: a top portion configuredfor attachment to a battery cover; a plurality of containers extendingfrom the top portion for containing elements of a battery, the pluralityof containers being arranged in an offset configuration such that atleast a portion of the top portion extends away from the plurality ofcontainers due to the offset configuration; and a structure forreinforcing the portion of the top portion that extends away from theplurality of containers wherein the structure is not provided above oneof the plurality of containers.
 2. The housing of claim 1 wherein thestructure includes a relatively planar surface and a plurality of ribsextending from the relatively planar surface.
 3. The housing of claim 2wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged in a rectangular gridpattern.
 4. The housing of claim 2 wherein the plurality of ribs arearranged as a framework for providing enhanced structural integrity forthe portion of the top portion.
 5. The housing of claim 1 wherein thestructure is configured to resist deformation of the portion of the topportion when a force is applied to the portion of the top portion. 6.The housing of claim 5 wherein the structure is integrally formed withthe top portion.
 7. The housing of claim 1 wherein each of the pluralityof containers has a generally cylindrical shape.
 8. The housing of claim1 wherein the housing comprises six containers extending from the topportion for containing elements of a battery.
 9. The housing of claim 1wherein the top portion includes a rim for attaching the housing to abattery cover.
 10. The housing of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofcontainers are arranged in a plurality of rows offset from each other,each of the plurality of rows having at least two containers.
 11. Ahousing for a vehicle battery comprising: a base configured for couplingto a battery cover; a plurality of cylindrical containers extending fromthe base, the plurality of containers being arranged in an offsetposition such that a portion of the base extends away from thecontainers; and a structure for reinforcing the portion of the base thatextends away from the plurality of cylindrical containers wherein thestructure is not provided above one of the plurality of cylindricalcontainers.
 12. The housing of claim 11 wherein the structure includes aplurality of ribs.
 13. The housing of claim 12 wherein the plurality ofribs are arranged in a generally rectangular grid.
 14. The housing ofclaim 12 wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged in a non-linearfashion.
 15. The housing of claim 11 wherein the structure is integrallyformed with the housing.
 16. A housing for a vehicle battery comprising:a top portion configured for attachment to a battery cover; a pluralityof containers extending from the top portion for containing elements ofa battery, the plurality of containers being arranged in an offsetconfiguration such that at least a portion of the top portion extendsaway from the plurality of containers due to the offset configuration;and a structure for reinforcing the portion of the top portion thatextends away from the plurality of containers, the structure including aplurality of ribs; wherein each of the plurality of containers includesat least one wall and at least one of the plurality of ribs extends froma first wall of one of the plurality of containers to at least one of aframe of the structure and a second wall of one of the plurality ofcontainers.
 17. The housing of claim 16 wherein each of the plurality ofcylinders has a generally cylindrical shape.
 18. The housing of claim 16wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged in a rectangular grid. 19.The housing of claim 18 wherein the structure is integrally formed withthe top portion.
 20. The housing of claim 16 wherein the structure isconfigured to resist deformation of the top portion when a force isapplied to the portion of the top portion.